These Things Are Written was developed for and used successfully in both the university classroom and the church study group. It meets the highest standards of scholarly excellence and the equally important standard of usefulness. This book deserves a place in the library of every church and serious student of the Bible.
James Efird examines various methods of biblical interpretation, emphasizing the strengths and weaknesses of each. His insights result in a presentation that enables ministers, students, and lay readers to grasp the meaning of the books of the Bible. He focuses on the "original meaning of Scripture," i.e., who wrote it, when, where, and for whom. Approaching the Bible from its original context is a very helpful method for understanding and relating Scripture to contemporary issues and applying biblical teachings to modern times. Faith is based on the Word of God. It is imperative that the best available means to read, study, and understand the Word are employed. Efird demonstrates how to study the Bible so that Scripture may be understood and experienced in all its fullness. This useful introduction is a practical resource ideal for group and individual Bible study. It is recommended as a companion volume to Efird's These Things Are Written: An Introduction to the Religious Ideas of the Bible. These two books, when used in conjunction, provide a general overview and basic resource for biblical interpretation.
The New Testament Writings is a simple and direct introduction to the New Testament. Christians have a need and desire to comprehend the literature on which their faith is based. James Efird's book serves this need very well. He presents the New Testament clearly and concisely in nontechnical language. This is a valuable resource for education, growth, and faith.
From the creation and the tree of knowledge through the Exodus from Egypt and the journey to the promised land; James Kugel shows us how the earliest interpreters of the scriptures radically transformed the Bible.
This is a guide to the Hebrew Bible unlike any other. Leading us chapter by chapter through its most important stories--from the Creation and the Tree of Knowledge through the Exodus from Egypt and the journey to the Promised Land--James Kugel shows how a group of anonymous, ancient interpreters radically transformed the Bible and made it into the book that has come down to us today. Was the snake in the Garden of Eden the devil, or the Garden itself "paradise"? Did Abraham discover monotheism, and was his son Isaac a willing martyr? Not until the ancient interpreters set to work. Poring over every little detail in the Bible's stories, prophecies, and laws, they let their own theological and imaginative inclinations radically transform the Bible's very nature. Their sometimes surprising interpretations soon became the generally accepted meaning. These interpretations, and not the mere words of the text, became the Bible in the time of Jesus and Paul or the rabbis of the Talmud. Drawing on such sources as the Dead Sea Scrolls, ancient Jewish apocrypha, Hellenistic writings, long-lost retellings of Bible stories, and prayers and sermons of the early church and synagogue, Kugel reconstructs the theory and methods of interpretation at the time when the Bible was becoming the bedrock of Judaism and Christianity. Here, for the first time, we can witness all the major transformations of the text and recreate the development of the Bible "As It Was" at the start of the Common era--the Bible as we know it.
With the increase in the divorce rate today, many people are more concerned than ever with what the Bible says about marriage and divorce. Keeping technical discussions to a minimum, James M. Efird helps readers explore the biblical teachings on these two important social customs. The book begins by examining ideas connected with marriage against the ancient world and its practices and presuppositions. The investigation continues with a section focusing on the practice of and teachings about divorce, again set against the backdrop of the society and culture of biblical times. The last section of the book draws together some of the larger principles relating to marriage and divorce, based on the biblical investigation.
Written in moments of history when the forces of hell appeared to have taken control of the earth, Daniel and Revelation are the two most intriguing and often difficult Bible books for the average reader to interpret. However, to avoid them is to miss their messages of hope and faith for today's Christians living in a world seemingly engulfed by evil. With easy to understand explanations of why and how apocalyptic literature was written, Dr. Efird strips away the mystery surrounding the strange visions and symbols. Putting them in their proper perspective, he leads the reader to the heart of the biblical writers' very simple message - ÓGod is always in control.Ó Dr. Efird presents Daniel and Revelation not as mere road maps for the end of the world, but as magnificent biblical literature to give Christians confidence in the supreme majesty and power of God. Excellent for personal or group study with reflective questions for each chapter.
A thorough, comprehensive guide to the world of angels Angels, whose principal employment is the protection and encouragement of human beings, are more popular than ever. In this age of uncertainty, it is easy to understand why the concept of angels is so comforting. While much has been written about angels throughout history, no single source examines them as thoroughly or as thoughtfully as Angels A to Z. Written by an “angel expert” and a recognized authority on nontraditional religious movements, this enlightening resource is one of the most comprehensive books on angels and angel-related topics currently available. More than 300 entries, drawn from multiple religions, such as Christianity, Islam, and Hindu traditions, as well as from pop culture, are included. Celebrity angels, obscure angels still waiting for their big break, classifications of angels, guardian angels, fallen angels, biblical figures associated with angels, angels in art and architecture, and angels in the media and literature, how ancient, contemporary, and pop cultures represent angels in their mythology, folklore, architecture, art, literature, religion, and so much more. Angels A to Z explores a wide assortment of topics, including ... Gabriel, Michael, Lucifer, and other biblical angels Angels in various religions (Christianity, Islam, Hinduism) Different classifications of angels such as the Valkyries from Norse mythology and Hafaza from Islamic tradition Fallen angels, guardian angels, obscure angels, and angels across religious traditions Authors who write about angels, including Frank Peretti, Joan Wester Anderson, Eileen Freeman, Terry Lynn Taylor, and others Artists who depict angels such as Michelangelo, Raphael, Glenda Green, and Karyn Martin-Karl Beloved fictional characters like Clarence from the film It’s a Wonderful Life If you want to know more about the rich and important history of these spiritual beings, Angels A to Z is the answer to your prayers. With more than 130 photos and illustrations, this riveting read is richly illustrated, and its helpful bibliography and extensive index add to its usefulness.
The New Testament Writings is a simple and direct introduction to the New Testament. Christians have a need and desire to comprehend the literature on which their faith is based. James Efird's book serves this need very well. He presents the New Testament clearly and concisely in nontechnical language. This is a valuable resource for education, growth, and faith.
Written in moments of history when the forces of hell appeared to have taken control of the earth, Daniel and Revelation are the two most intriguing and often difficult Bible books for the average reader to interpret. However, to avoid them is to miss their messages of hope and faith for today's Christians living in a world seemingly engulfed by evil. With easy to understand explanations of why and how apocalyptic literature was written, Dr. Efird strips away the mystery surrounding the strange visions and symbols. Putting them in their proper perspective, he leads the reader to the heart of the biblical writers' very simple message - ÓGod is always in control.Ó Dr. Efird presents Daniel and Revelation not as mere road maps for the end of the world, but as magnificent biblical literature to give Christians confidence in the supreme majesty and power of God. Excellent for personal or group study with reflective questions for each chapter.
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